Daihatsu’s popular tall mini wagon, the Move, is undergoing a long-awaited full model change on June 5, 2025. This full model change will see major changes to the lineup, including the first Move to come standard with sliding doors on both sides, and the discontinuation of the sporty Move Custom model. The Move has always pursued maximum efficiency and comfort within the framework of a minicar, and attention is focused on how the next model will evolve, particularly in terms of its size and new features.
So this time, we’ll explore the appeal of the new Move by thoroughly comparing its size and new features with those of the current Move (discontinued model), as well as its powerful rivals such as the Suzuki Wagon R and Honda N-WGN.
Summary of the new Daihatsu Move’s size and new features
- New Move vs. Current Move (Discontinued Model)
- Compared to the current model, the new model maintains a length and width roughly within the standards for a light vehicle, but has a slightly longer wheelbase.
- The overall height has been increased , creating a more open interior space.
- The first in the series to feature sliding doors on both sides as standard , dramatically improving convenience.
- The sporty grade “Move Custom” has been discontinued.
- The adoption of DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) has resulted in optimized packaging, which is expected to result in increased interior space, especially rear legroom, and improved ride comfort.
- The usability of the luggage compartment may also be improved.
- New Move vs. Lightweight Height Wagon Rivals
- It has a big advantage over rivals with hinged doors such as the Wagon R and N-WGN, as it has sliding doors.
- While the overall length and width are roughly the same, each company’s individuality is revealed in the overall height and wheelbase. The new Move aims to offer convenience with sliding doors and class-leading interior space.
- The key is to achieve a spacious interior and ease of use for everyday use while maintaining ease of handling.
Evolution through a full model change
Move
- Exterior: The stylish design has been completely redesigned to give a sharp impression.
- Sliding doors: For the first time in the series, sliding doors on both sides are standard equipment, significantly improving ease of entry and exit and loading and unloading luggage.
- Body color: Available in a wide variety of 13 colors, including chic colors.
- Interior: A 9-inch display audio is standard or optional. A large 10-inch navigation system is also available as an option. The adoption of an electric parking brake improves foot space and operability.
- Interior space: The increased overall height increases head clearance, creating a more open feeling in the interior.
- Safety performance: In addition to the latest preventive safety feature “Smart Assist,” safety is enhanced by the optional BSM (Blind Spot Monitor), which is still rarely used in light vehicles.
- Platform: By adopting DNGA, excellent handling stability and a comfortable ride are achieved.
The new Move is recommended for these people!
- Those looking for a light, high-roof wagon with sliding doors
- Those looking for an economical, easy-to-drive, and convenient car for daily transportation
- Those who prioritize maximum interior space and practicality within a limited size
- For families (especially those with small children) or those considering using the bag in situations where they have a lot of luggage.
- Those who are interested in the latest safety driving support systems and comfortable equipment
- Those who want to drive a stylish, new-design minicar
New Move vs. Current Move (Discontinued Model): Major Differences in Size and Specifications
First, let’s compare the size and specifications of the new Move with the current Move (6th generation LA150S/LA160S model), which has been discontinued. The biggest talking point about the new Move is that it is the first in the series to come standard with sliding doors on both sides. This gives the Move a new value that sets it apart from the company’s sliding door vehicles such as the Tanto and Move Canvas. Meanwhile, the “Move Custom,” which has been in the lineup for many years, will be discontinued with this full model change and will be consolidated into the standard model.
Move Custom
Basic spec comparison (current Move figures are representative)
| item | Current Move (LA150S) | New Move | Difference from the current |
|---|---|---|---|
| release date | – | June 5, 2025 | – |
| full length | 3,395mm | 3,395mm | – |
| Overall width | 1,475mm | 1,475mm | – |
| Overall height | 1,630mm | 1,655mm | +25mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,455mm | 2,460mm | +5mm |
| Door Type | hinged door | Sliding doors on both sides | Major changes |
| Custom Models | can be | none | abolition |
| Before the tread | 1,305mm | Unreleased | – |
| After tread | 1,295mm | Unreleased | – |
| engine | Inline 3-cylinder 0.66L NA/Turbo |
Inline 3-cylinder 0.66L NA/Turbo (DNGA compatible) |
Improvements |
| Maximum output (NA) | 38kW (52ps) / 6,800rpm |
38kW (52ps) / 6,900rpm |
– |
| Maximum torque (NA) | 60Nm (6.1kgm) / 5,200rpm |
60Nm (6.1kgm) / 3,600rpm |
– |
| Drive system | FF/4WD | FF/4WD | – |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | ~22.7km/L (NA FF) | Hoping for further improvement | – |
| transmission | CVT | CVT (DNGA compatible) | Improvements |
| safety equipment | Smart Assist | Smart Assist (Advanced), BSM (OP) |
Functional improvements/additions |
| Comfortable equipment | – | Electric parking brake, 9-inch DA, 10-inch navigation (optional) | Significant addition |
| Crew capacity | 4 people | 4 people | – |
Differences in body size and structure
The new Move has a 25mm higher overall height and a 5mm longer wheelbase while maintaining the same overall length and width. A bigger change than the numerical values is the adoption of sliding doors on both sides. This has significantly improved ease of entry and exit, taking into consideration opening and closing the doors in tight spaces and making it easier for children to get in and out. The increased overall height, combined with the adoption of sliding doors, contributes to a more open and user-friendly interior space. The exterior has also been redesigned with a sharper and more stylish design.
Evolution of interior space and utility
Thanks to the efficient packaging of the DNGA platform, a slightly longer wheelbase, and an increased overall height, the new Move’s interior space, particularly head clearance and rear seat comfort, is expected to be significantly improved compared to the current model. The adoption of sliding doors makes loading and unloading luggage and access to the rear seats much smoother. The interior is fitted with advanced equipment such as a 9-inch display audio and an electric parking brake, enhancing quality and convenience.
Evolution of safety performance
In addition to being equipped with the latest “Smart Assist,” safety performance has also been greatly improved, with BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) being available as an option, which is still rare in light vehicles.
New Move vs Suzuki Wagon R: Differentiated by sliding doors! Size comparison
Next, let’s compare it with its longtime rival, the Suzuki Wagon R, a representative of the light height wagon category. The Wagon R uses traditional hinged doors.
Wagon R
| Specifications | Suzuki Wagon R (current MH85S/95S) | Daihatsu New Move | Difference with Wagon R |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 3,395mm | 3,395mm | – |
| Overall width | 1,475mm | 1,475mm | – |
| Overall height | 1,650mm | 1,655mm | +5mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,460mm | 2,460mm | – |
| Door Type | hinged door | Sliding doors on both sides | Big Difference |
Compared to the Wagon R, the new Move has the exact same overall length, width, and wheelbase. The overall height of the new Move is just 5mm higher. The biggest differentiating feature is the door type, and the new Move now has sliding doors on both sides, giving it a major advantage over the Wagon R in terms of everyday usability.
New Move vs Honda N-WGN: Rivals with different approaches and size comparison
Next, we will compare it with the Honda N-WGN (hinged doors), which is popular for its ease of use and simple design.
N-WGN
| Specifications | Honda N-WGN (current JH3/4) | Daihatsu New Move | Difference from N-WGN |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 3,395mm | 3,395mm | – |
| Overall width | 1,475mm | 1,475mm | – |
| Overall height | 1,675mm (FF) / 1,700mm (4WD) | 1,655mm | -20mm (FF ratio) / -45mm (4WD ratio) |
| Wheelbase | 2,520mm | 2,460mm | -60mm |
| Door Type | hinged door | Sliding doors on both sides | Big Difference |
Compared to the N-WGN, the new Move has a wheelbase that is 60mm shorter and an overall height that is 20mm lower than the N-WGN (FF model). The N-WGN has a relatively long wheelbase and pursues a spacious interior, but the new Move has a slightly more compact wheelbase, but its sliding doors are a clear advantage, and it is thought that its packaging has been cleverly designed to ensure sufficient practicality.
Who is the new Move recommended for? (Prediction/Repost)
The new Move has gained a major advantage in the form of sliding doors on both sides and a completely new design. With improved basic performance thanks to the DNGA platform and the adoption of advanced safety and comfort equipment, it has evolved into a light, high-roof wagon that meets a wide range of needs.
- Those looking for a lightweight, high-roof wagon with sliding doors : This is ideal for families with small children and those who need to load and unload a lot of luggage.
- For those looking for an economical, easy-to-drive, and convenient car for daily transportation : In addition to the fuel efficiency and maneuverability that only a kei car can offer, this car also offers the added convenience of sliding doors.
- For those who prioritize maximum interior space and practicality within a limited size : Increased overall height and efficient packaging provide a comfortable interior space.
- For those interested in the latest safety driving support systems and comfort features : The improved Smart Assist, BSM (optional), and electric parking brake are attractive features.
- For those who want to drive a stylish, newly designed kei car : Choose from a completely new exterior and a wide range of body colors (13 colors in total).
- For those who have been considering the Move Custom : The customization has been discontinued, but the standard model’s improved design and enhanced equipment are noteworthy.
The new Move will be an attractive option that meets these needs.
A word from the editorial department
The new Move, which will be released on June 5, 2025, has undergone a full model change worthy of being called a “major revolution.” The biggest highlight is that the Move, a mainstream light height wagon, finally comes standard with sliding doors on both sides. This gives the Move a sliding door vehicle with a different character from the Tanto and Move Canvas, and has the potential to open up a new market.
The discontinuation of the “Custom” model, which was synonymous with the Move, may be sad news for some fans, but the improved design and enhanced equipment of the standard model, along with the new sliding doors, show Daihatsu’s strategy to appeal to a wider range of users. Other attractive features include a range of 13 body colors, including chic ones, and a 9-inch display audio and BSM (optional). It will be interesting to see what kind of presence the new Move will have in the fiercely competitive minicar market.
Move
